Cardiff: A new study conducted by scientists at Cardiff University has found that having peppermints can significantly boost alertness and wellbeing in people suffering from the common cold.
The research offers a surprising yet simple aid for those battling seasonal illnesses. The study, published in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, monitored 81 university students over a period of 10 weeks.
The study
During the study, 17 participants developed mild upper respiratory tract illnesses. Among them, six were given peppermints, another six were given butterscotch sweets, and five were not given any sweets.
The remaining 64 participants, who stayed healthy, were also divided into three groups, 21 consumed peppermints, 22 received placebo sweets, and 21 did not consume any.
Researchers tested all participants on mood, cognitive performance, and reaction times, discovering that those suffering from colds were generally slower and less alert. However, results showed that consuming peppermints increased alertness in both sick and healthy individuals.
Therapeutic benefits of aromatics
According to Dr. Andy Smith, who led the research, this effect occurs because the vapours and aromatic compounds found in mint help soothe the communication between the body and the brain, alleviating the sense of malaise, a general feeling of discomfort and fatigue often caused by illness.
“When people are sick with a mild upper respiratory tract illness, they will likely experience malaise, a general discomfort and a lack of wellbeing. This can impact performance and reduce alertness. Vapours are known to have therapeutic benefits, and aromatics, such as mint, have been shown in previous research to have an impact on wellbeing both when ill and in perfect health,” Dr. Smith explained.
The study concluded that peppermints not only improved alertness but also demonstrated that simple measures can enhance wellbeing when unwell. Dr. Smith emphasized that, “with the right understanding, simple things can be done to improve our wellbeing when unwell, and that includes eating a peppermint to help with a cold.”
The findings add to a growing body of research on the therapeutic benefits of aromatics and menthol vapours, suggesting that peppermint sweets could be a convenient way to combat sluggishness and discomfort caused by mild illnesses.
MOST READ | Global health study warns of rising youth death rates
